Morris dancing: Is that all folks?

Morris dancing, one of those ancient traditions that seem to be cherished and derided in equal measure, is apparently on the verge of extinction, we learn today with a plea from the UK Morris Association.

It's probably fair to say that morris dancing, most likely a corruption of the word Moorish, has something of an image problem. Despite its exotic, if rather disputed origins it is frequently mocked and even, occasionally, accused of perpetuating racism or being un-PC – something which its adherents hotly deny – because of a tradition of some troupes blacking up for dances.

Not only does the old line (often attributed to Sir Thomas Beecham) run that you should try everything once – except morris dancing and incest – but a survey in 2002 by the Future Foundation revealed that just 24% of young Britons viewed the tradition as a key part of our heritage.